Is an e-arrival card required in India for OCI holders?
No. OCI holders are not required to complete an e-Arrival Card to enter India.
India does not currently require a standard e-Arrival Card for most travelers. Any arrival or declaration forms, when introduced, are usually temporary and situation-specific. OCI holders are not required to obtain or travel on a visa to enter India.
OCI status grants lifelong multiple-entry access to India, placing OCI holders under a different set of immigration rules compared to ordinary visa holders.
Why OCI Holders Do Not Need an e-Arrival Card
Indian immigration law does not treat OCI holders the same way as regular visa holders because:
- They are not visa holders
- They are granted lifelong multiple-entry permission to India.
- They are not required to register with immigration authorities as visa holders do.
- Their entry and stay conditions are governed by OCI regulations rather than visa conditions.
Procedural requirements that are specifically linked to visa issuance or visa conditions do not apply to OCI holders. However, general health or customs declarations, if temporarily required, may apply to all travelers.
What Documents Must OCI Holders Carry Instead?
Although an e-Arrival Card is not needed, OCI holders have to carry the following documents when traveling to India:
- OCI holders must carry a valid foreign passport.
- A valid OCI card (physical card or digital OCI document, as applicable)
Both documents must be presented at:
- Airline check-in
- Indian immigration upon arrival
Failure to carry either document may result in denied boarding or delays at immigration.
Health or Arrival Declarations (If Applicable)
Even though OCI holders do not need an e-Arrival Card, they might be asked to adhere to temporary health or arrival declarations, such as
- Health self-declaration forms (in case of a public health emergency)
- Customs declarations (carrying restricted or dutiable goods)
These requirements may apply to all travelers, including Indian citizens, OCI holders, and visa holders, and are usually temporary.
OCI Holders vs Visa Holders: Key Difference
Indian immigration rules differ significantly between OCI holders and visa holders. The holders of OCI are not required to have a visa, whereas visa holders have to get a proper visa to visit India. OCI holders do not need an e-Arrival Card, and visa holders might receive a request to fill out an e-Arrival Card, depending on the type of their visa and the ongoing immigration procedures.
OCI holders are also granted a lifetime multiple-entry permission to access India, whereas visa holders only have a valid period to access India. Registration is also not mandatory for the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), as is the case with many visa holders who have to undergo registration after arrival. OCI holders enjoy broad entry and stay rights in India, although certain restricted activities may still require prior permission, but visa holders are subjected to rigid rules that are associated with the type of visa.
Indian OCI holders enjoy a much easier and more convenient entry and stay process. due to these differences.
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
There is always a misconception among some travelers that everybody who has a foreign passport should fill out the arrival form. This is incorrect.
Although OCI holders travel on foreign passports, they are not treated as ordinary foreign nationals under Indian immigration law.
They have OCI status that supersedes entry requirements based on a visa.
Conclusion
OCI holders are not required to complete any visa-related arrival forms to enter India. While India does not currently mandate a standard e-Arrival Card, OCI travelers should remain aware of any temporary health or customs declarations that may apply to all incoming passengers.
